Ranveer Singh Spent 3 Hours Chasing Shaktimaan Role, Says Mukesh Khanna: 'Itna Interested Tha…'
The Shaktimaan movie faces delays as Mukesh Khanna clashes with producers over casting and vows to protect the superhero's legacy.
For millions who grew up in the '90s, Shaktimaan was more than just a TV show – it was the ultimate superhero moment of childhood. But the much-anticipated big-screen revival has run into trouble. Mukesh Khanna, the original Shaktimaan, says the planned film trilogy has been halted over 'technical grounds" and disagreements about casting.
Speaking to Galatta India, Khanna explained that while Sony International holds the film rights for seven years, he made sure the character's principles stay untouched. 'The IPR is still mine. But, we have given them rights for seven years to make a film. Maine likhva dia hai ki film mein Shaktiman ki aatma change nahi hogi. They have written that we won't change Shaktiman's values."
However, the veteran actor revealed he has no binding say in who plays the lead. 'I couldn't get it in written that the actor would be cast with my permission. They have a point now ki hum aapse poochenge zaroor, lekin final call humaari hogi. Yahin mein atak gaya."
Mukesh Khanna was clear he would not accept changes that misrepresent the character. 'If Shaktimaan is dancing in a disco and I say that I don't like it, you would still do what you want. Then what's the point of asking me?"
Shaktimaan Movie Stuck At Casting
The movie's pre-production remains paused, and the issue is stuck on casting. 'Either you change the clause or ask. Without asking me, you can't deflect from Shaktimaan. Abhi toh casting mein atak gaya hai maamla, poori film banaani bachi hai. Everything is stuck on technical grounds. Public is still waiting eagerly for the announcement."
The project is ambitious – three films, each with a Rs 150–200 crore budget. Khanna says he won't compromise. 'Aap ram ke role mein raavana dikhne wale ko nahi daal sakte. Shaktimaan ki zarurat hai aaj ke bachon ko. Even I don't know when he will come."
Rumours mills have been abuzz about Ranveer Singh playing Shaktimaan. Mukesh Khanna recalled, 'Ranveer came to my office, sat with me for three hours. Very nice meeting, very nice actor and human being. Itna interested tha ki teen ghante tak convince karne ki koshish ki. Ultimately, I always felt that he can't be cast in Shaktimaan's role. I am still rigid on that point."
Mukesh Khanna even says he's ready for a legal fight if needed. 'It's a war now. If you won't listen to me, then go and make Shaktimaan without me. I will fight till I can fight. I will take them to court if required. Main Shaktimaan ke gaane aur music release nahi kar sakta, because I sold them to someone by mistake."
Shaktimaan was India's first big superhero TV show, aired on Doordarshan from 1997 to 2005. Created and played by Mukesh Khanna, it told the story of Pandit Gangadhar, a kind photographer who gained special powers through deep meditation and his link to the five natural elements. He used these powers to become Shaktimaan, fighting the evil Tamraj Kilvish while keeping his real identity secret. With almost 450 episodes, the show became hugely popular with kids for its action and moral lessons.
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